Havana, October 8 (RHC)-- Tropical Storm Michael is gaining in strength and organization in the Caribbean Sea and is expected to swell into a Category 1 hurricane, as it moves through the Yucatan Channel, reported the Cuban Institute of Meteorology at 6 a.m. Monday.

Cuban Civil Defense has issued warnings urging citizens to increase vigilance as the Cuban provinces of Pinar del Rio and the Isle of Youth are threatened with intense rain, flash-floods and mudslides.

Showers and intermitent rains are affecting the island´s western and central provinces.

Meanwhile, in an advisory, the U.S. National Hurricane Center said Michael is on track to hit the Florida Panhandle midweek as a Category 2 hurricane.